This was our interpretation of the brief for this graphic designer's studio, and our metaphor for the fit out: paper in the subtle "peels" throughout the fit out, stone in the cliff like stair and entrance foyer, and scissors, referencing the "cut" of three dimensional Japanese paper art.

This was a rather difficult brief, as the client's budget was tight given the scope as there was significant upgrade required of the existing building to bring it up to the current building standards and regulations.

The existing building was separated into three separate tenancies spread over 4 levels, all with individual stair cases, and designed as a celebration of 1980s Post Modernism. Angles and curves abounded. To keep the costs down, all existing floor levels were retained, a void was opened at the entrance, and a new stair was inserted connecting all levels. This stair also provided a strong visual identity and increased the visual scale of the entrance foyer.

Service strategy throughout the building was to retain and re-use wherever possible, all new wet areas to be back to back over the various levels. This also minimised trenching and invasive works, and reduced the overall hydraulic costs.

From the front door where the door handles roll like a sheet of paper revealing a white onyx stone inlay that glows at night, to the corner wall peels and their integrated lighting. The fit out is full of subtle details that reflect the conceptual direction and contradiction. Spaces are regular, but irregular, like the main stair that cascades through all floors and peels away at the edges. It's solid but ephemeral. All elements within the space were designed along the concept of paper and its manipulation through cutting, folding and inscription.